IPL 2023 Auction Live Update:
Stay tuned for updates on the Indian Premier League Auction 2023, which starts at 2.30pm today in Kochi.
As expected, the defending champions Gujarat Titans haven’t opted for too many changes after winning the title in their first season. An area that could be focused on, however, would be a fast bowling unit that no longer has the frenetic pace of Rocky Ferguson.
Alzarri Joseph and Mohamed Shami reinforcements are needed and we may consider overseas options in this regard. Reliable batting options are also something Gujarat is eyeing. Sai Sudharsan was fairly consistent in the middle order, while Abhinav Manohar was active towards the end of the inning. Hardik Pandya’s side wants a smart combination of the two to support David Miller.
The Lucknow Supergiants are packed with all-rounders, but they lack expertise in their field and need to punch more. After a solid opening pairing of captain KL Rahul and Quinton Decock, middle his order stable option supports the team well.
Marcus Stoinis, Ayush Badoni and Deepak Hooda will be in charge of the finish. After letting Dushmantha Chameera go, LSG are in need of a reinforcement for injury-ridden Mark Wood, which could break Sam Curran’s bank. Jason Holder has been sacked from Lucknow and to the surprise of most, the move could set the stage for a major deal with Ben Stokes or Cameroon Green.
The franchise aims to continue its brand of aggressive bat-based cricket with a new leader at Sikar Dhawan. With a solid batting team that includes hard hitters Jonny Beastow, Liam Livingston, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Ashdeep Singh and Kagiso Labada, the Punjabi Kings have built a world-class tempo duo to ensure quality. Focus on getting high all-rounders and spinners. Backup for Rahul Chahar and his Harpreet Brar.
With his second-largest purse remaining in the franchise, it may be possible for the Kings to dive into high-profile properties like Ben His Stokes and Cameroon Green. The Punjabi’s high-risk, high-reward approach is prone to collapse at bat, and they could look to anchors in Manish Pandey or Kane Williamson and Joe Root among overseas options.
The top-heavy Rajasthan Royals seek stability in the middle orders that have long plagued them. Shimron Hetmyer could end the innings with a swing, but the Royals are looking for someone who can set the stage for a late swing or stabilize the ship in case of early wickets.
Manish Pandey, Shakib Al Hasan and Sikandar Raza are options that fit his RR mold, the latter two of which also provide the team with additional bowling his options. True all-rounders like Ben Stokes, Cameroon Green and Jason Holder can overcome their lack of depth while adding the pace battery of Trent Boult, Prashid Krishna and Kuldeep Sen.